New Years 2014 Nail Tutorial

I use my nails to express myself, and if you're excited about the new year, than this is the perfect design for you. Not to mention it is extremely easy! You can use anything to "needle" on your nails: a needle, a toothpick, I personally used a giant toothpick from a nail kit. Get creative, different things look different on nails. These are the nail polishes I used:

Now for the steps...now please take note that I did the one shade of nail polish and let it dry; than I applied the other color over it and BEFORE it dried I used my toothpick to needle across. I also used my toothpick to write 14 on my 4th nail. Here are my steps:

and here is what my nails looked like after:

QUICK, EASY, and just about anyone can do it! If you have any questions feel free to ask! Happy New Years everybody!

How to Make a Collage in Picasa

Okay so I am presenting my first tutorial in Picasa...how to make a Collage. Now Open up your program and as you can see it shows all of the photo's you've uploaded and photo's in your computer. Now to keep it simple, we are only going to select 5 photos (I know it might seem complicated) but once you get the hang of it, it will be very easy. Now it's important that you understand how to select your images.

Selecting your images
So your screen in Picasa should look similar to this:

of course your screen is personalized with your images so, in order to select images you need to select your first image. So select your first image. and as you can see it appears in the lower left corner. Look closely at my screen:

Notice how the picture I selected is in the lower left hand corner? Well in order to be able to select multiple photo's, you need to hold the picture you have currently selected. Which that button looks like this:

and you have to press that after every image that you select. so therefore after the 5 images I selected this is what your corner screen should look like (with your images of course):

See? Like I said, this isn't as hard as you thought huh? :)

Creating your Collage
Now the second step, so that you can actually create your collage is to click Create > Picture Collage, here is a picture to clarify it a little bit for you:

Now that you have clicked on that, your screen should look similar to this:

Now this is where you get to actually create your collage and customize it the way you want. So make your choice (my computer doesn't let me do multiple exposure) but you have a few choices which they are

1. Picture Pile
2. Mosiac
3. Frame Mosiac
4. Grid
5. Contact Sheet

I can't tell you how to personally set your collage so play with the controls a little bit.Make the Collage to something that you like. 

After you're pleased with your collage, press create collage:

And after that, it automatically saves your collage on your computer and it is ready to be shared on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, or however you prefer to share your collage. You can also add text to it, or do any further editing you would like. I have made up examples of every type of collage with the same 5 pictures.

My Examples:

The Picture Pile

The Mosiac:

The Frame Mosiac:

The Grid:

The Contact Sheet:

Hopefully some of you find this tutorial to be of help! If you want to get really advanced you can add text to your collage among other things! Well that's it for my first tutorial for Picasa! If you have any tutorials you want me to post, please recommend and I will post asap! :)

New Year's Quotes

To celebrate bringing in the new year 2014, I am posting a list of new years quotes. I found these online, if you want to continue reading some new year's quotes you can Click Here. These are just my 5 personal favorites.

1.

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.

- Neil Gaiman

2.

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.

-G.K. Chesterton

3.

Many things are thrown our way in this game of life. It's how you deal with them that shows your true character. I want all of you to feel the hope, love & passion I feel for the upcoming year & the rest of my life. I want ALL of you to not only go for your dreams, but have a damn ass good time doing it!

-May Water

4. 

For a new year to bring you something new, make a move, like a butterfly tearing its cocoon! Make a move!

-Mehmat Murat Ildan

5.

Each New Year, we have before us a brand new book containing 365 blank pages. Let us fill them with all the forgotten things from last year—the words we forgot to say, the love we forgot to show, and the charity we forgot to offer.

-Peggy Toney Horton 

Introducing: The Song of the Week! 12/31/2013

A new feature I will post every Monday. So here we go:
For the Week of: December 31st 2013
Trip to Mexico by +jawgaboyz . 
Enjoy! :)



**NOTE: I am just a fan, and this is therefore a fan video! I am spreading the love.<3

Apps I Personally Recommend

We all have apps that we use on a regular basis, and considering the fact that 2013 is coming to a close, I've decided to make my list of the apps that I use as of right now on a regular basis! So here it is:

6snap

In my opinion; the best +Snapchat client that there is on the window's phone 8 platform. My favorite, and if my opinion doesn't count, just check out the review's in the app store.








6tag

Although the app store has released their own official +Instagram app, it didn't really tickle my fancy. I really prefer this one. It might be because the official app is still in the Beta process, but I don't look at myself letting go of this app anytime soon!






Adobe Reader

As a college student, I need to be able to read my assignments and what not on the go and this is the app I use for that! Don't fall for any of the imitations, this is the best app for that!







App Social

I use this app to find the newest apps that is out there and to make my own lists of apps that I personally recommend and I can go through other people's lists as well. I got a little unorganized and decided to put mine in a blog instead, lol. Very useful app though.





Blink

I use this app whenever I am taking a picture of my daughter, another child, or any dog. It is so useful because it takes a picture for a few seconds and you can pick which one is the best. Highly recommend for especially parents trying to get that good picture of their child.





Facebook

I have yet to explore all of the different Facebook apps there are in the Window's Phone 8 Store but this one is so far great. I never did say that with the Google Play store, but this app is just fine....has everything you need and doesn't take up a whole bunch of space. Very well played, Microsoft.





Here Drive

This is THE BEST GPS and Navigation app that I have used on any phone, it's even better than the actual GPS system I had for my first car. I have used it quite a few times and I've gotta say, I am totally in love with it. I recommend this for navigation, hands down.





iHoroscope

I always read my daily horoscope and this one so far is my favorite app to read it. Not only do I like how simple my horoscope is, but I like the live tiles you can put on your home screen. This app is for you, if you're reading that daily horoscope every day!






Native American Horoscope

Although I am not Native American, my daughter is half native american and so is both of my ex's and my most recent ex fiance, I really bonded with his family and I am very intune with the Native American Culture. This is very interesting if you want to know what you're spiritual animal is. Although I thought that this was through a vision quest, it is still fun and unique!



Phototastic Free

I literally use this app every single time I take pictures, it is a really awesome photo editting app, and I know that when I get the chance I am going to purchase the full app! For anyone who likes editting their pictures, this is the app for you!






Picasa+

I use this app to upload pictures on to my Picasa account. I really like it, although I have no experimented much with the Picasa apps for the phone I find this one extremely useful and easy to use.






Ringtone Maker

This is the app I use to make the ringtones I have for my phone. Very easy to use and I gotta say, if you want to have custom ringtones; this app is a must have!







Skydrive

This is the best app to backup all of the files on your phone. I've used Dropbox, Google drive, all of them and this one is my favorite and the most reliable. Especially if you're a student. Give them a try they are the best!






UC Browser

Best app for WP8 besides Internet Explorer. I am currently using this as a guest facebook page, for people who use my phone so they can login to Facebook without logging me out but I do use it when Internet Explorer is lacking. If you want to try a new web browser, than this is the one that I recommend.




WebApps

Has links to different web apps and is very useful. Includes links to Google plus, Blackboard (my school platform), among others. This is a MUST HAVE for everyone, I guarantee it has at least one webapp to use for everyone.






YouTube

In my opinion, this is the best free YouTube client. We all use YouTube at least ONCE IN AWHILE, and in order for my daughter to watch Yo Gsbba Gabba clips, she needs youtube and this one is very reliable and doesn't ask me to pay after so many views.





Skype

Lately, the only way I can get in touch with my brother is through skype. He's always sitting at the computer and this app is really awesome. I haven't had any issues with it yet and for anyone who uses skype; this is a must have.

Easiest Nail Tutorial Ever!

Well, might not be ever...but with this you don't need any special tools; just the nail polish and possibly a little bit of patience! These are the nail polishes you need...and please note that you can probably use whatever colors you want...these are just the colors that I personally prefer.

and here comes the steps....they are pictures obviously. and I used two different shades of glitter...keep that in mind. and also keep in mind that I just did three little dots or dabs on the 4th finger.

and here is what your finished product will look like...yes I know a little messy that's because I don't really trip when I'm painting my nails...the nail polish will wash off in the shower. But here is a better picture of the finished product:

Feel free to contact me with any questions :) now I'm going to test drive some apps for my next blog post! 

My First Picasa Movie

I'm still learning all the how to's but presenting...my first Picasa Movie made with pictures I took with my daughter today! The song is Yesterday by The Beatles.

WP8 Apps to Help the College Student

As an online college student, it is vital to have all the tools available 24/7 so that I can succeed in school. I have come up with a list of apps that I have found to be most helpful when doing my college work on my cell phone. Feel free to send in your favorite apps so that I can post them!

Power Planner (Homework Planner)

I highly recommend this app to help yourself plan all of your homework. It also features a place to keep track of your grades and classes. I find it extremely useful and have been using it since I purchased my window's phone.







TidyPage

VERY USEFUL! Not only for keeping track of your classes (i do week by week) but for anything in life...once you try TidyPage I swear, you won't know what you did without it!

FTSMind

I use this whenever I am going to write an essay for school....a mind planner and it is really cool. Very helpful when typing up an essay for school. Extremely easy to use and can turn it into a picture if you want to pull up on the computer.







FlashStudy

Best flashcard app to my knowledge in the Window's Phone store! I synced it to my +Quizlet account and it is just all around very helpful! For any serious student in any grade, I highly recommend this app!







WebApps

My school uses the +Blackboard Inc. platform, and this app provides a link to website to login. I'm sure it has links to the other platforms as well. Includes links to many other helpful apps. Student or not you need to have WebApps :)







Cisco WebEx Meetings

My school uses this platform when we have weekly labs with our teachers, and this app is so helpful and way better than the android platform. Must get, especially if you are a UMA student!







EverNote

I never really used +Evernote until I purchased my +Windows Phone but I have found it extremely helpful and useful! You must try....you can sync it from phone to computer, to all of your devices! Give it a try !

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE APPS FOR SCHOOL ON THE WINDOW'S PHONE 8!

Pretty Stoner Nails

**Note: I am aware of the messy job...I always start with a white coat to ensure the brightest possible of the colors...but that is personal preference. 

STEP 5: Add Glitter

I personally used clear glitter on all of them except for my 4th finger, I used one called "Rockstar pink"

Finished Product:

Nail Design Inspiration

I enjoy painting my nails...I used to do my own acrylic but I hate how they make my nails feel. Occasionally I will post nail tutorials but I decided I might as well showcase all the pictures I've taken of my nails when I painted them. Some of them are messy because I am sloppy because it washes out :) Maybe it will give you some inspiration as well!

**Note: I might post tutorials in the future, but these are all from before I began blogging...I am not licensed so therefore if you hate them; it would be polite to keep your rude comments to yourself :)

 These are from my instagram; follow me for normal updates: kuntrygurl_swaggg

 

Setting Up Kid's Corner For Your Toddler!

Well now that I have totally revamped my blog, which I hope you like the new look by the way! Time for our next tutorial which is setting up the Kid's corner for your toddler.  One of the things that really got me interested in purchasing the Nokia Lumia 521 was the kid's corner because my daughter loves playing with my phone, but I have to admit her calling and texting people was just a little bit annoying. Now she has her own start screen, so here are the apps and steps I took to set it up.

**NOTE: These are only what I recommend for set up for a 2 year old, if you have any app suggestions feel free to send them in!

STEP ONE: Activation
So of course first thing is first, you want to turn on kid's corner. So you can activate it like this:
Settings > Kid's Corner > Flick on
So that was pretty easy huh? Well  now that it's turned on, you get to make some settings these are the settings:

1. Music
2. Video's
3. Apps

Under music you have the choice to select by song, album or playlist. Maybe you have their favorite album in your music; I personally went on the computer and created her a playlist of music that is appropriate so if she accidentally turns any music on it's appropriate for her to listen to. Whatever you decide, you're in control.

The next setting is video's, which I skipped all together; but if you however have any videos that you wish to add, this is where you will do so. Now that brings us to to step two, which is collecting the perfect apps;

STEP TWO: Apps for Toddlers

Indeed it is hard to find apps that toddler's not only actually like, but one's that us parents like as well. This is a list of apps that our featured on the start screen and one's I personally recommend for any toddler:

Yo Gabba Gabba Channel

My daughter is a huge fan the television show on +Nickelodeon called +Yo Gabba Gabba! and this app is so awesome! It features video's and everything else. If you're child isn't a fan of this show, I did see a few apps for other TV shows, so the only way for you to find out is to search for that show in the app store. 

Kid Cartoon Camera

I am totally in love with this app! My daughter loves taking pictures of not just herself, but of everything around her and this app is really cool; it talks to them so they know what they are doing and it teaches them how to take pictures. Not all parents would agree because they don't want their toddlers taking pictures period, but I personally thought it was a great idea! It's worth a shot and if you don't like it, then you can simply uninstall it.

Toddler Flashcards

For you parents who like to get educational (which yes, I do) this is a great app for your toddlers. It features flashcards for a variety of things so not only is your toddler having fun with your cell phone, but they are learning at the same time! This is a must have in my opinion.

Kid's Learn Colors

Another really cool education app! Kid's learn colors and in my opinion it's never too early for kids to begin learning this stuff. My daughter already knows a few colors so this can be helpful to any parent who wants their child to learn while they have the cell phone.

Kids Bubble Pop Free

I've usually almost always had bubble pop as my screensaver on any cell phone I've had, just like us grown ups can have fun playing bubble pop, so can our kids. My daughter loves this and I'm pretty sure so will your toddler. The best part is, there is a free version!

Kid Coloring Book

Just a simple app that features a few coloring pages and your child can use their finger to color the picture with various colors that appear at the bottom. VERY SIMPLE, no drop down menu's so toddlers love it. The best part is you can save it, just like you would anything your toddler would that your toddler would color for you. 

Baby Toy

Not too sure what kid's love about this app but any toddler I've handed my phone too with this app running, loves it! All t hey do is touch the menu to hear music and animal noises...but they love it. Hardly takes any space as well. A must have.

Now these are just a list of what my daughter likes personally. Like I've said multiple times, feel free to send me your requests and I'll add them as soon as possible. Now that you've got the apps you want you toddler to play with you can do one of the two:

1. Launch your kids corner by pressing Launch Kid's Corner At the bottom OR
2. Pin a tile to your home screen at the VERY bottom.

Since you're going to want to customize the colors, press on the launch buttom so you can see your kid's corner.

STEP THREE: CUSTOMIZE!

Now you get to customize what it looks like, as you can see your screen probably looks way different than my finished effect, and you can feel free to adjust and make the tiles look however you want. Now that you're in your kid's corner, press "Customize"

You write you're child's name, choose a picture for their lock screen, the background color (light or dark), and their accent color.  On my daughter's theme it features a light background and a Magenta accent color. For her lock screen, I spiced it up a little bit. This is the app that I used to spice it:

Phototastic Free

Now you're probably asking how a photo editting app can help spice up a lock screen, and your toddler's kid's corner never the less.  Well this is one of the best mobile photo editor's that I have ever used and I simply created her own lock screen to my liking and under customization settings under name, I put two space's so that it wouldn't say Kaycee. Her lockscreen looks like this:

Of course you can make it look however you want with +Phototastic Memories. This is just done to my liking. You can still make a name be there I just personally thought it looked better like this. So now that you have set the lock screen up, set a password for your account if you wish and you're done.

You're Finished Product (excluding Lock Screen, Look Above)

Like I earlier stated, I think the Kid's Corner is an excellent idea and feature; part of the reason why I went with my choice when upgrading my service. Hopefully you got some good idea's for your Kid's Corner! I would love to see what  you guys have come up with!